Senior Director, External Manufacturing & Supply Chain

DöhlerGroup; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

DöhlerGroup in New Jersey is seeking a Director of Supply Chain to lead the external manufacturing network for toll manufacturers, co-packers, and traded goods suppliers. The role drives supply chain strategy, capacity planning, cost control, and quality compliance to support sales growth.

You will build and mentor a high‑performing team, partner with regional leadership, and shape the strategic direction of North American Supply Chain for scalability and long‑term success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• 10–15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, supply chain, or external manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience managing third‑party manufacturing or supplier networks.
• Food & beverage industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the performance of external manufacturing partners including toll manufacturers, co-packers, and traded goods suppliers.
• Plan supply chain activities, capacity alignment, and financial resources while adhering to approved budget.
• Coordinate supply network activities with Planning, Procurement, Quality, and Commercial teams to ensure supply objectives are achieved in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Partner with regional leadership to support the development, integration, and continuous improvement of the North American Supply Chain organization, contributing to strategic initiatives and capability building.
• Develop and control cost-to-serve, financial performance, and budget for traded and toll manufactured goods.
• Implement cost-effective systems of control over product costs, external manufacturing expenses, logistics, and inventory.
• Establish and monitor overall network performance for service, cost, and quality standards.
• Control and minimize premium freight, supply disruptions, and external manufacturing inefficiencies.
• Provide leadership and guidance to accomplish company goals and objectives within an external manufacturing model.
• Lead supplier performance management through KPIs, SLAs, and structured business reviews.
• Define, implement, and ensure adherence to quality, hygiene, HACCP, food safety, occupational safety, and environmental standards across all external partners.
• Serve as primary escalation point for major supply, quality, or compliance issues related to external manufacturing.
• Plan and support long‑term network optimization initiatives including make vs. buy decisions, supplier selection, and capacity strategies.
• Establish and develop a qualified and motivated team. Lead, assess, and develop directly subordinate employees in a professional and disciplinary capacity in consultation with HR.
• Act as a key contributor to the broader North American Supply Chain leadership team, helping shape long‑term strategy, organizational design, and operational excellence initiatives beyond immediate functional scope.
• Define, implement, and ensure optimal exchange of information across functions and with external partners.
• Continuously standardize and optimize processes, governance structures, and performance management systems to drive continuous improvement.
• Drive digital transformation within the area of responsibility, including data visibility, performance tracking, and decision‑making tools.
• Implement strategies for expansion and optimization of external manufacturing capacity and supply flexibility.
• Optimize operational processes focusing on cost, service, and quality to improve overall supply network performance.
• Support cross‑network initiatives that enhance scalability, flexibility, and performance across the North American supply chain footprint.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and implement contingency plans including dual sourcing and alternative supply strategies.
• Responsible for Quality, Food Safety, Legality & Integrity.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Supply chain management

Vendor management

Cost optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field

Job description

DöhlerGroup in New Jersey is seeking a Director of Supply Chain to lead the external manufacturing network for toll manufacturers, co-packers, and traded goods suppliers. The role drives supply chain strategy, capacity planning, cost control, and quality compliance to support sales growth.

You will build and mentor a high‑performing team, partner with regional leadership, and shape the strategic direction of North American Supply Chain for scalability and long‑term success.